Railway – Romance in the Bernese Oberland / Switzerland

Railway romance in the Bernese Oberland / Switzerland. Traveling by steam train as in days gone by. Anticipation is the greatest joy. Railway romance in the Bernese Oberland is featured on the travel brochure. Steam and rail nostalgia amidst the Swiss mountain world becomes an unforgettable adventure. Right from the start, a steamboat trip on Lake Thun is a good introduction to a thoroughly eventful journey. As you enjoy a refined meal, a glass of wine, or simply the sunshine on deck, your gaze glides over the charming shores with the romantic villages, the magnificent historic castles, and up to the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Steam and hydropower: You still have a little time to find a cozy spot in the train and, through the open sliding window, smell the steam. All aboard…Careful at departure. A shrill whistle and the green departure signal tells the driver to open the valves. With a loud hiss, steam escapes from the cylinder valves, the first exhaust beats thunder into the sky, and the locomotive slowly sets the train in motion. Nestled in a beautiful mountain panorama, Lake Brienz lies before you in mighty valley cuts. Gentle river meadows rise up, wild rocks reach for the sky. Huffing and steaming, the steam locomotive pulls the historic carriages along the lake. At times, the stoker has to shovel more coal into the fire. The varied nature of the Swiss mountains with its untouched wilderness, the dreamlike valleys, the mountain and water landscapes that merge into a harmonious whole, you breathe in almost literally during the train ride, enhanced by a touch of steam. Exciting insider knowledge about power generation awaits you at the foot of the Grimsel Pass. Here, we show you how the immense water masses of the Grimsel are transformed into electrical energy in the power plant. This moving insight into hydropower production guarantees excitement and leaves lasting, impressive impressions. Full steam ahead up the mountain: You’ve always wanted to reach great heights. And of course, with full steam ahead. No problem. It chugs and steams, it squeaks and smokes. Really a fantastic idea: The only Swiss rack railway with daily steam operation has been delighting visitors since 1892. Comfortably, you steam through meadows and forests towards a breathtaking panorama. In good visibility, the Rothorn offers a view of a fabulous 693 mountain peaks. Enjoy the magnificent all-round view from the 2,350-meter-high summit! The Furka Steam Railway also overcomes the 2,436-meter-high Furka Pass using a rack system. Before the Furka Base Tunnel was opened, this was the only route to travel from Valais to Graubünden. The now legendary Glacier Express also traveled this route from 1930 onwards. You can experience steam not only on rails but also on “high seas.” In Switzerland, a large number of historic steamships are still in scheduled service today. They are lovingly maintained and cared for to preserve them for future generations. Solothurn is uniquely beautiful: On your way home, you’ll pass through Solothurn. The city is considered the most beautiful Baroque town in Switzerland. Here, in the lovely Aare Valley, Italian grandeur blends with French charm and the down-to-earth character of German-speaking Switzerland. All the experiences during this journey transport you to another time and allow you to indulge in fond memories. Guaranteed!